I had anticipated an upscale city that offered little for the average Joe--the kind of place so posh you feel like you're standing at a fancy front door reading a sign that announces "Commoners Entrance Around Back." Yes, Marbella is a wealthy community, but the folks here don't flaunt their money. I settled right in, Hawaiian shirts and all, as comfortable as if I were relaxing in the living room of a good friend.

Combine the friendliness of the locals with the magnificent natural beauty surrounding this lovely city, and I knew I'd chosen a great place to spend my final week in Spain. Heading home, this Jersey guy plans to tell the travel-loving members of his family and friends to add the Costa del Sol region of Spain to their own bucket lists. A sunny welcome awaits one and all along the Spanish Mediterranean.

The author wishes to thank all of those involved in helping with his travels, including Pat Wood and Jorge Rubio of the Tourist Office of Spain, Marcelo Molinari and Maria Garcia of the Costa del Sol Convention Bureau, and Inma Munoz of the Granada Tourism Board. All photographs are by Joe Babiasz, unless otherwise noted, and all opinions expressed herein are his own and not otherwise compensated.

Sidebar: Ascari Race Resort

The south of Spain offers outdoor enthusiasts more than just golf with a view and water-themed fun. The world-famous Ascari Race Resort, home to the Ascari Academy and the Ascari Club, invites those with a love of gorgeous cars and high speeds to indulge in their motorsport passion. Slip behind the wheel of a Lotus, BMW, Radical, F3, or F1 vehicle for the ultimate in adrenaline combined with state-of-the-art safety (buggies and karts available, too). The course features 26 corners and incredible cambers and slopes and, with a length of more than three miles, is the longest track in Spain.